The Watchers Society

The Watchers Society is one of the oldest Secret societies at the University of Virginia. The Watchers Society was founded on March 16, 1925 in Lawn Room 25 West by a group of students at the University of Virginia who shared a deep connection of observation and the pursuit of secrecy. Having remained a secret for nearly 100 years, the Society was recently reinstated and takes its place as one of the seven oldest societies at the University of Virginia alongside the Seven Society, Z Society, IMP Society, Eli Banana, T.I.L.K.A., and the Thirteen Society. It is one of the smallest and most elite societies at the University of Virginia with about six members per graduating class.

Member Selection

Members are selected during their undergraduate career in their third or fourth year based on a curious character, wit, and capacity to make a meaningful contribution to society. Selection for membership is considered to be one of the most prestigious honors, as the Society has succeeded to remain completely secret since 1925. The members remain anonymous due to the belief that quiet observation is the deepest secret of all. Upon graduation, they receive a ring etched with "25W" symbolizing the founding year 1925, W for Watchers, and Lawn Room 25 West, where the Watcher Society originated.

History

While not a lot is known about the society members, it was founded by the Four, four original members, where the Two, two additional members, were added to the Society a month later on April 25. Five out of the six members of the first class lived on the Lawn. The Society’s symbols include the eye, the clock, the number 25, and the letter W. They are also identified by an owl and colors black and silver. There is speculation that the the Rotunda Clock is maintained by the Watchers Society. There is also speculation that the resident of Lawn Room 25 each year is able to indirectly communicate with the Society’s President.

In a letter found from the year 1954 reflecting on a member’s time in the Society, it was stated that “As per the disposition of its members, comprised chiefly of fourth-year scholars and those ascending to such prestigious status, the Society distinguishes itself from the caprice of frivolous organizations. It has flourished into a tapestry of amity and conviviality, firmly anchored in the principles of camaraderie, philanthropy, and above all, an unwavering zeal to face the post-collegiate realm with resolute purpose.”

In the well-known anecdote regarding the University's former President, Edwin A. Alderman, summoned both the Hot Feet (presently the IMP Society) and the Z Society to his office in 1905 to address their wayward conduct and propose the establishment of a “more beneficial organization.” However, this account does not mention the presence of a student, watching and listening from beyond the confines of the room. This student passed down this story to their closest peers and twenty years later, the Watchers Society was created. In protest of Alderman, dissenting to his request for a more constructive social group, the Constitution of the Watchers Society includes provisions for executing various pranks throughout the academic year aimed at the University. Furthermore, it stipulates that the Society's philanthropic endeavors would be directed toward individual students, staff, and CIOs, and would never be donated directly to the institution.

Traditions

Traditionally, on the last day of the school year that classes are held, members of the Watchers Society place the image of an eye and a letter of farewell on the doors of every Lawn Room, the Rotunda, as well as the doors of each of the six undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Architecture, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Education and Human Development. The members are also known to play pranks on the fourth-year graduating class, leading up to graduation, hosting one of their biggest traditions, the Last Supper the night before graduation, revealing themselves to their class.